CHAP. LXXXIX.
Of DIU and the trade thereof.
THE Towne and Iland of DIU lyeth about 20 * 1.1 Leagues from the famous River Indus, and not farre distant from the firme land; it is now subject to the Portugals, who have conquered both the Iland and Town from the King of Cambaia, and so fortified it, as it is conceived to be now invincible. This Towne hath a very good and great Haven, and therein is found a great concourse of Merchants of all Nations, as Turks, Persians, Arabians, Armeni∣ans, and others of sundry Countries; and because of the continuall traffique thereof, it is accounted the best and most profitable re∣venue the King of Spaine hath in all India, for that the Banians, Guserats, Rumos and Persians, which traffique in Cambaie, and from thence to the red Sea and Mecca, doe both discharge their wares and take in their lading here at DIU, by reason of the commo∣dious situation thereof, as lying at the entrance of Cambaia, and from DIU it is shipt and sent to Cmabaia, and so brought backe againe to DIU.
The commodities of this place and this coast are first, fine cotton * 1.2 linen of sundry sorts, which they call Ioryms, Sluyers, and Lampa∣rads, and which we call by the generall name of callicoes, also Cocos oyle, India nuts, butter, pitch, tarre, sugar candie, iron good store, and most excellent and faire leather, which is artificially wrought with silkes of all colours, both flowers and personages; and which is in